NFL Draft 2014 Big Board: Combine edition

The U-T's Top 25 players available in May's NFL Draft

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) makes a move to get to the ball past Central Florida tight end Justin Tukes during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
— AP

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) makes a move to get to the ball past Central Florida tight end Justin Tukes during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
/ AP

With combine in full swing, time for updated Big Board

The second day of on-field workouts at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine featured the glamour positions: quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Defense will take the spotlight today. For most prospects, the combine doesn’t affect how I value them. It does, however, play a role when comparing them. Here’s my updated 2014 NFL Draft Big Board:

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, Jr.: Regardless of what you think about his recent behavior, he’s the biggest game-changer in this draft. He’s a real-life NFL Blitz character, although he could slip outside Top 3.

2. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M, Sr.: The Matthews bloodline speaks for itself — his father, brother and two cousins have played in the league — and he could have easily been a Top 5 selection last year.

3. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn, So.: He was dominant as a sophomore in the SEC, and one of the big reasons the Tigers could run on anyone. Plus, he’ll certainly be considered one of the “winners” of the combine.

4. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson, Jr.: Watkins is shaping up to be one of the few receiver prospects who could crack the Top 5 on draft day. His performance in Indianapolis won’t hurt his cause.

5. Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo, Sr.: His versatility — he can rush the passer, defend the run and drop into coverage — and nose for the ball helps him separate himself from Anthony Barr.

6. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M, So.: Known for his Fred Astaire-like improvisational skills, “Johnny Football” showed he could be something different in Indy: a professional.

7. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville, Jr.: Bridgewater’s accuracy, underrated athleticism and experience in a pro-style scheme make him the most NFL-ready QB in this draft, but he didn’t help himself by not competing on Sunday.

8. C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama, Sr.: His talents translate to any scheme in the pros.

9. Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M, So.: Evans is 6-feet-5 and weighs 225 pounds, so he can’t be manhandled at the line of scrimmage, plus he can block down field and his route-running is second to none.

10. Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA, Sr.: Some believe his ceiling is as high as Clowney, considering he’s played the position for only two seasons.

Numbers

I hope Barry Bonds isn’t holding his breath for a “756” patch in 2047 celebrating the 40th anniversary of him “passing” Aaron.

Time machine

1996: Fastest to 50

On Feb. 27, the Chicago Bulls reach 50 victories faster than any team in NBA history, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-99. The Bulls (50-6) reach 50 victories in 56 games, one better than the 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers, who started 50-7.

1987: A season lost

On Feb. 25, the Southern Methodist football team is suspended for the 1987 season after investigations reveal that players received $61,000 from a booster slush fund.

1964: ‘I shook up the world!’

On Feb. 25, Cassius Clay wins the world heavyweight title when Sonny Liston is unable to answer the bell for the seventh round at Convention Hall in Miami Beach, Fla.

1940: Hockey gets its close-up

On Feb. 25, the first telecast of an American hockey game is transmitted over station W2XBS in New York. The viewing audience watches the New York Rangers battle the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden.

1935: Ruth released

On Feb. 26, Babe Ruth is released by the New York Yankees and signed by the Boston Braves.

1924: ‘Buckets’ Boyd

On Feb. 25, Marie Boyd scores 156 points in a Maryland high school basketball game (163-3).

Goalkeeper Shannon Szabados of Canada (1) and Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada (22) celebrate after the medal ceremony in the women's ice hockey tournament at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. Canada won gold after defeated Team USA 3-2 in overtime. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
The Associated Press

Goalkeeper Shannon Szabados of Canada (1) and Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada (22) celebrate after the medal ceremony in the women's ice hockey tournament at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. Canada won gold after defeated Team USA 3-2 in overtime. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

The Big Loser

Bret Bielema

If there’s anything worse than the new substitution rule being proposed by the NCAA football rules committee, meant to slow down hurry-up offenses, it’s the Arkansas coach using the death of Cal football player Ted Agu in his argument in favor of the proposal.

Beyond being inappropriate, it was simply misleading and wrong.

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema leaves the field after an NCAA college football game against South Carolina in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. South Carolina won 52-7. (AP Photo/April L. Brown)
— AP

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema leaves the field after an NCAA college football game against South Carolina in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. South Carolina won 52-7. (AP Photo/April L. Brown)
/ AP